You need to get a posting to Darwin before the bub's born Freya...homebirth is publicly funded up here - it's free!
I had no idea!! That is fantastic!!

We just muddled through and paid in installments (at each appointment). Re-arranged the budget a bit and focused on the end point. I know that is not very practical advice, sorry.

I just had to do it after my previous hospital experience. I really wanted the 'guaranteed' support of someone I knew (by getting to know them during appointments) and someone I know was on the same page as me. I completely agree with Tashybabe that the level of care and competence is so important. Each of my appointments went for over an hour and they came to me - which was really helpful with a toddler to look after too. I just felt so much more like a human leading up to the birth rather than just another file at the hospital, and I really felt that all my issues and concerns were heard and dealt with.

In the end, only one of my midwives made it to my birth as it was way too fast to get them both there. Still, I had no issue paying them both. As a matter of fact, having two women I knew really cared for me and knew me well stitching me up after the birth (minor tear and abrasion, still the stitching was potentially the most traumatic part of the whole birth!) and taking a good 15 minutes to discuss the best way to do it, I remarked that the money I spent on the homebirth was paying off by not having to undergo this with a stranger or with someone in a rush! Post natal care and advice further sealed the deal for me.

I apologise that I have not really answered your question about how our homebirth was afforded but rather rambled about why I think it is money well spent, I am sure you already have your thoughts worked out if you are considering one. Maybe there is something else that you can take to your husband in my experience? I was lucky that DH fully supported me and he was more than happy with the outcome, he could clearly see the benefits and was so much more involved this time (being there at pre and post natal appointments as well as the only support for most of the labour.

WRT payments: we paid $110 per appointment, $1400 booking fee at 30 weeks and $1600 birth fee. All up about $4000 for full care.